A blog about navigating the realities, struggles, and frustrations of life while unemployed—with a positive outlook. Opinion commentary pieces on unemployment and hiring plus informative articles & tips on life learning, career, well-being.

Upon experiencing unemployment, I questioned whether I should escape from it all for a little while to enjoy some humor. As I moved from unemployment to long-term unemployment and physical uncertainty loomed, I questioned this all the more.

Letting go of a good laugh became easier as I wondered:

Should I laugh when the going is tough?

Why laugh when I should be serious during such a time?

The thing is this: when going through difficult times, we have 1 of 2 choices: laugh or cry. And many times, the best choice is the laughing one.

Side Tracking Moment : Crying is also a necessary choice to some situations in life. We must know whether to express humor or sadness when presented with a choice.

Back on Track: Laughter is a great way to put the fun in frustration. While managing challenges in life, we must not neglect the lighter side of it.

We just can’t take everything seriously – unless we want to lose it mentally.

Realizing this made it easier for me to choose to get a good laugh in – even privately – while going through hardship.

So, I’ll ask: how long has it been since you had a good laugh?

Have you laughed today?

If not, then why don’t you? You deserve it!

Ways to Get a Laugh

What are some ways you can get a much-needed – even silent – laugh?

Watch Something Funny – check out a funny movie, sitcom, or video for some humor.

Enjoy Time with Family and/or Friends – enjoy a day or night out surrounded by uplifting family and friends. You’re guaranteed lots of laughter.

Think About Good Times – focus on beautiful memories. Brighten your day by remembering past events in which you enjoyed yourself and were happy. Recall something funny and replay it mentally. Laugh.

Warning . . .

Laughter won’t change your circumstances. What it will do, however, is uplift your spirit and make you feel better – even if it’s only momentarily.

3 Health Benefits of Smiling and Laughing

Not only will a good laugh make you feel better, it’ll also leave you with health benefits as well. Consider the following benefits.

Laughing is a Good Workout for Your Heart.

If you’re unable to engage in physical activities at the moment, then laughter is considered a workout activity. In particular, laughter is a type of cardio workout and benefits your heart in the following ways according to the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center’s Heart and Vascular Institute: